WJJO's Band Camp coming to Janesville airport

On Tuesday, the Rock County Board's public works committee approved a contract with Mid-West Management that will allow radio station WJJO to host a concert at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport in September. No further approval is needed.

The county will receive $1 for every ticket sold.

Last year, about 10,000 people attended WJJO's Band Camp at Willow Island, adjacent to the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Headlining acts included Sevendust, Jackyl, Pop Evil, Asking Alexandria and Nonpoint.

Although the airport event will feature similar music and target the same demographic, it will not be called Band Camp, said Randy Hawke, WJJO program manager.

Hawke said he expects about 15 bands to play at the single-day event. Booking will begin immediately, and the names of bands will be announced as soon as contractually possible.

The event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20.

The concert will be on about 50 acres near Highway 51 in an area that is fenced off from airport runways. The airport will be open during the concert, said Ron Burdick, airport director.

This is the second time Rock County has considered hosting such an event. Last year, the committee killed the idea after Sheriff Bob Spoden expressed concerns about safety and the lack of time to plan.

Supervisor Brent Fox said he supported the concept last year despite reservations of safety officials.

“It's time to take it for a test drive,” Fox said.

This year, Mid-West Management approached the county much earlier. Public safety officials have already met with radio station management and staff.

The contract calls for the county to receive a $2,500 deposit and $1 of each ticket sale.

In addition, Mid-West Management is required to contract with the public safety agencies to cover the cost of overtime and any additional officers.

Mid-West Management also must provide $2 million in general liability and insurance coverage.